“Generosity is the quiet music that fills the season with meaning.”
Inspired by Calvin Coolidge
As we approach the holiday season, many families are struggling because of our economy. Job losses, SNAP benefits requirements and higher insurance rates are just a few of the situations that might hurt some of our neighbors.
But you can help. Volunteer at and support local food pantries, including collecting non-perishable products at your place of business to donate. Find a pantry near you at the North Texas Food bank website, www.ntfb.org.
Or adopt an Angel Tree through the Salvation Army to ensure families will have gifts and everyday essentials. Learn more at www.salvationarmyntx.org/ north-texas/angel-tree.
We have good news: Meda Kessler writes about beloved chocolatier Dr. Sue moving to a new location in Grapevine and Kate Weiser (a Grapevine native, as it happens) opening a location in a town that will now be abundant with cacao. Don’t forget to catch their hot chocolate bars for the holidays.
Speaking of the holidays, Meda shows her kitchen passion with a duo of features you won’t want to miss. Her roundup of “books for cooks” recommends titles hot off the presses. Meanwhile, her recipes for giving will ensure you feel inspired about bringing thoughtful, homemade gifts to others’ doorsteps.
The spirit of hope is also at the heart of Terri Taylor’s story about The Meadows Foundation’s redevelopment of the Dallas gem that is the Wilson Historic District.
Teresa Rafidi’s photography reveals its quaint Victorian houses as well as the extraordinary community-building and community-supporting non-profits set to continue its legacy of generosity.
Chase Leftwich and Austen Schumacher founded Fort Worth-based TexMalt in 2015 based on the idea that Texas agriculture—and specifically the growing of malting barley—should be at the heart of Texas brewing and distilling, and their movement has grown ever since. The inspiring story of how they bring us the taste of Texas is told by Eve Hill-Agnus.
Consider this issue our holiday gift to you, and have a wonderful start to your new year.
NANCI TAYLOR is a third generation Texan whose family came to the state in the 1800’s to pursue cattle ranching and Texas has remained her home. She was born in San Antonio, but ended up in North Texas where she nurtured her Texas roots while attending college and raising two sons in Dallas. Proudly following in her parent's footsteps, Nanci plants and harvests the bounty of her own backyard garden in Old East Dallas. She keeps a busy calendar attending local food and ecology events, and on weekends she spends her time visiting with growers and food artisans at farms, shops and farmers markets around North Texas.